Managing stress feels like it is becoming increasingly more difficult; not only does it feel like everyday life is more overwhelming than ever, but you can often end up feeling like you don’t even have time to focus on dealing with stress anymore. However, there are relatively small steps you can take that can make a big difference in your life – let’s take a look at five ways to deal with stress below.
1. Keep a Journal
Oftentimes, people can feel anxious just at the thought of sharing their worries and stresses with others. Maybe they will be perceived as weak. Of course, in reality, it’s understood this is not true, but if you find that you feel self-conscious or unwilling to share your problems with another person, then a great alternative is to keep a journal or diary. The act of expressing yourself on paper may help you unload some of the stress,
2. Practice Time Management
Time management is often an underrated skill, but you ask anyone who seems to have a handle on things, and you will most likely find that they practice good time management skills every day. Keeping a clear written list of things you have to do for the day and prioritizing the important ones will help you feel less overwhelmed with your workload.
3. Don’t Overwork
This one might seem obvious, but people frequently fall into the trap of taking on more than they can handle, usually to impress their boss, their colleagues, or even to prove something to themselves. But it is not healthy for an individual who is trying to reduce their stress level. Pilling on work will cause you untold amounts of stress and anxiety – eventually, this will be counterproductive when you start to burn out, and you begin falling behind on your work at an alarming rate.
4. Talk to Someone
Letting your emotions fester in your mind can not only increase the stress you are feeling but may also have other serious adverse effects on your mental and emotional well-being. If you feel like you are not ready to talk to a friend, then seeking help from a medical professional such as a therapist may be a good way forward or you can take a break if feasible. Being able to speak out loud, share your problems, and have someone help organize your thoughts may make a huge difference in your stress levels (Galatians 6:2).
5. Exercise
Not all exercise is enjoyable, but it is certainly great for your mental health. Find a sport or activity that you like and make sure you are spending a few hours a week doing it. Perhaps you can go swimming for an hour after work each night or go for a run in the mornings before you get ready for the day ahead. Whatever you choose, make it a part of your regular routine as best as you can. You may notice a difference right away in the benefits of exercise in combatting stress.
You don’t have to make big changes in your life in order to feel a difference – just letting yourself follow a few of the steps outlined above will be enough for you to feel like you are dealing with your stress in a much more productive and beneficial way. And above all, remember you can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, for his word says, come unto me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30). How can you get rest? Simply by spending time with Him every day, meditating upon the Word, and applying it to your life (Isaiah 40:29-31).
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Plant The Seed Ministries. This article is not intended to substitute for the professional medical advice of physicians. The reader is advised to regularly consult a healthcare professional in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms or individual concerns that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
